Suzuki Swift

With the new-generation model now available overseas, this third-generation model has now begun to show its age, especially considering the fact that the Philippines-spec version was already lacking many features that were offered in the same generation model when it was on sale in other markets. 

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel of the Suzuki Swift has a flat-bottomed design while having sporty-looking two-pod instrument console with popped-out design for the analogues dials and an LCD MID stacked in the middle. Slightly tilted towards the driver's side, the centre console of the Swift comes integrated with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There are two rounded AC vents above this infotainment screen, whereas, below the screen, there are three rounded dials for the manual AC controls. The middle layer of the dashboard, door panels and surrounds for the transmission lever have a silver finish offering a nice contrast to the all-black cabin. 

Besides the touchscreen infotainment system and manual AC, the Philippines-spec Suzuki Swift has power windows, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, power-adjustable ORVMs and audio and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel. Due to the sloping roofline and restricted width, the Suzuki Swift feels a bit tight in space at the rear. 

Continuing its legacy, the third-generation Suzuki Swift is a slightly curvaceous take on the silhouettes of its previous generations. Despite it being replaced by a fourth-generation model globally, the third-gen model still looks beautiful and athletic. 

The front profile of the Suzuki Swift has a wide hexagonal grille with honeycomb inserts, which has a thin strip of chrome running in the middle. The Swift has sweptback headlamps, which might lack a modern LED setup but go well with the overall curvaceous design of the hatchback. The front bumper has a stretched U-shaped garnish across its width, which engulfs rounded fog lamps and LED DRL strips on the sides.

The slightly sloping roofline and muscular front and rear fenders give the Swift a sporty visual character, which only looks better and more unique with the rear door handles that are integrated into the C-pillar, giving the Swift a two-door look. The fenders and door panels also have smooth contours flowing over them. 

For the Philippines car market, this third-generation Suzuki Swift has 16-inch silver alloy wheels as standard, and not the machined units available globally. The rear profile of the Swift is also an evolution of the previous-generation models, with the hatchback having sweptback tail lamps with LED inserts.

One of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on sale in the Philippines, the Suzuki Swift delivers an engaging driving experience, thanks to its slightly stiffer Macpherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. Even the steering feedback feels involving, if not outright sporty. 

The tried-and-tested 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine of the Suzuki Swift is one of the most refined and efficient engines in the category of compact cars. Paired with a CVT gearbox as standard, this compact engine generates a maximum power output of 83 PS and a maximum torque output of 113 Nm. 

Suzuki has played safe with the Swift in the Philippines, with its safety equipment list covering only the basics in the form of dual front airbags, ABS, EBD and brake assist.

This third-generation Suzuki Swift might feel outdated and irrelevant after the arrival of a swankier-looking and better-equipped fourth-generation model overseas. However, at its price, the Swift is still a decent value-for-money proposition, with a well-sorted powertrain and chassis to back its existence.